Mercy Hospital Blesses New Lobby and Heritage Corridor

Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, part of Catholic Health, and the Sisters of Mercy recently dedicated and blessed the hospital’s new main lobby and Heritage Corridor, which connects the new emergency center with the expanded main lobby.

The Heritage Corridor features a 60-foot mural that chronicles the history and milestones of the hospital, founded in 1904 by the Sisters of Mercy. The main lobby project, estimated at $1.8 million, completes the final phase of Catholic Health’s $32 million Mercy Emergency Center Construction Project. The new emergency center, housed in a 46,000 square-foot addition to the hospital, opened in May 2010.

“Even though we no longer have many sisters doing direct ministry work at Mercy, it is good to know that our presence will be felt here, not only in the photo murals of the Heritage Corridor, but in the spirit of so many of the people who work within these walls,” said Sister Nancy Hoff, RSM, President, Sisters of Mercy, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community, who addressed a crowd of more than 60 people gathered for the dedication event on September 22.

“They carry on the mission of Mercy and the spirit of Catherine McAuley, our foundress, who reached out to those in need with compassion and gentleness.”

In his remarks, Mercy Hospital President and CEO C. J. Urlaub thanked the Sisters of Mercy “whose dedicated service to the hospital has brought us to where we are today.”

He also acknowledged the support of Catholic Health, stating, “Catholic Health believes in our journey and believes that Mercy always strives to be great. And, I believe that we can continue to build on the outstanding work of those who have come before us.”

Sister Peggy Gorman, RSM, Chief Development Officer of the Sisters of Mercy local community, and Sister Sheila Marie Walsh, RSM, Director of Sister Services, Mercy Center, and former Administrator and CEO of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo (1976-1992), led the unveiling of the Heritage Corridor with assistance from a group of longtime Mercy staff members, physicians, and volunteers.

Following the unveiling, the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy associates blessed the main lobby and Heritage Corridor, as the sisters sang, “The Prayer of Catherine McAuley.